“Do you like mushrooms?”
Ali felt heat rise to her cheeks. He couldn’t have known the direction of her thoughts, but for some reason it felt as if he’d caught her. “Um. Yes.”
She’d been expecting something like a bagel or toast—that was usually what she had for breakfast, but after last night, she should have known better. He tossed a handful of ingredients into a skillet with some olive oil. “Did you sleep well?”
“I did. Very well.”
Daniel smiled. “Do you prefer coffee? Orange juice? Milk?”
“Coffee, with some milk and sugar, please.” She knew better than to try and get it herself. Daniel didn’t even allow her to do that at the club if he was around. Anytime he saw her drink empty, he’d offer to get her another one.
The way he moved around his kitchen told her how comfortable he was in there. She’d never known that about him. If fact, she realized she didn’t know much about him outside of the basics. He was a real estate agent—he'd helped Alexander, another Dom at the club, find a building for his medical practice. She also knew he was divorced and that he’d been in the Army when he was younger.
Daniel removed two mugs from a cabinet and filled them both with coffee. After adding cream and sugar to hers, he placed it in front of her.
“Thank you.”
“Anytime.” His smile caused her stomach to do a little flip.
He finished cooking their omelets, plated them, and carried them to where Ali was sitting. He placed one plate in front of her before taking the same seat he had the night before.
“Your house is beautiful.”
He paused, fork in hand. “Thank you. It’s rather large given that it’s only me, but I love the kitchen, so I keep it.”
Ali nodded and dug into her omelet. She contemplated whether she should probe more or if that would be rude. She was his guest after all.
In the end, her curiosity got the better of her. “You like to cook.”
Daniel took a bite, chewed, and swallowed before he answered. “I love to cook. It relaxes me.” He paused and glanced over at her before returning his attention to his breakfast. “Almost as much as flogging a submissive.”
She’d seen him playing with subs many times. The look on his face was so peaceful when he was in the zone. It was always a catch-22 for her. She loved watching him, but she hated seeing him with another woman. “You’re very good at it.” She paused. “Cooking and flogging.”
He let out a half laugh. “Thank you.” Then he shoveled the rest of his breakfast into his mouth before standing. “Finish up and we’ll go. I’m going to warm up the vehicle.”
It took her a few more minutes to finish. She was a rather slow eater. At least, that’s what her mother had always told her.
Ali took her empty plate to the sink, rinsed it, and loaded it into the dishwasher. Even though he probably wouldn’t mind, she didn’t want to make him regret inviting her into his home.
When Daniel strolled into the room again, he was rubbing his hands together. “Did you bring a coat with you? The temperature has dropped quite a bit overnight.”
“I have a jacket, but I left my winter coat at the apartment.” It hadn’t been all that cold yesterday. Spring was around the corner and the days were getting warmer. She hadn’t had to wear her winter coat for a couple weeks.
Without saying anything more to her, he disappeared down another hall. How many of them were there, she wondered.
Less than a minute later, he returned with what looked to be a woman’s coat. “I think this will fit you.”
Ali tried to tamp down the jealousy she felt. They weren’t a couple. He’d made her no promises other than providing her a temporary place to stay.
Holding up the coat, he waited for her to slide her arms into the holes before settling it onto her shoulders. Then he turned her around, his hands bringing the two sides together, and he pulled the zipped up.
His fingers brushed against her collarbone, sending little sparks across her chest. Their gazes met a half second before he dropped his arm and stepped away.
“Are you ready to go?” Daniel asked, striking across the living room, heading toward what she knew was the garage. When he reached the other side of the living room and realized she hadn’t moved from her spot, he looked concerned. “Ali?”
She searched in his eyes for anything that would indicate he’d felt something when he’d touched her, but his face held nothing but question and maybe a little worry. Letting out a breath, she forced her feet to move.
* * *